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New South Wales’ 2014 State of Origin Game 1 team will be announced on Tuesday, May 20, but we thought we’d give you the opportunity to become Laurie Daley (just for a minute!) and pick the Blues team. So tell us, who should line up 1-17 for NSW in State of Origin I this year?
Who do you think should be the side to run out at ANZ Stadium on May 28 and end Queensland’s incredible eight-year hoodoo?
We’ll do the number-crunching and come out with a Roar NSW State of Origin team against the side who is picked by NSW selectors on Tuesday.
>> Select Queensland’s State of Origin team for Game I
How do I get started?
To begin, scroll down the page and select a player at each starting position, plus the four bench spots.
We’ve provided you with the leading options at each position, but if you disagree with us and think a bolter should get into the lineup, select ‘other’ and let you know who you want in.
We’ve given you a handful of choices for the four bench spots, but ultimately the decision rests with you.
The halves would be giving Blues fans a headache. Do you go with last year’s combination, the premiership-winning pair of Maloney and Pearce, or look for new playmakers?
Want to adopt a bash-and-barge strategy with four bulking forwards? Go for it. Think NSW need an x-factor utility player or two? Your call!
Current NSW skipper Paul Gallen is fit and getting fitter after missing matches due to a knee injury early this year, and is almost certain to line up in Game I.
Question is, do you put him at the coalface as a prop, or will he serve his state better as a backrower?
If he does, as expected, come into the front row, will it be alongside James Tamou, or does a resurgent Tim Mannah or Aaron Woods deserve to take the spot after a strong start to the NRL season?
NSW have plenty of options in the back row. Evergreen Ryan Hoffman is in with a strong chance to back up from last year, and with Greg Bird to miss Origin due to suspension, will Luke Lewis or Boyd Cordner take a starting spot?
The battle for the fullback spot is intriguing. Origin specialist Jarryd Hayne is assured a spot somewhere, the question is whether it’s at the back, in the centres or on the wing. Josh Dugan and Brett Stewart are both mounting strong challenges for the custodian role.
Josh Morris and Michael Jennings are favourites for the centre spots, and Pat Richards could be cap off an amazing return to Australia if the Blues choose to go with no goal-kicking half.
Now over to you. Give us your thoughts and enjoy putting together the NSW State of Origin team for Game I.
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